Taking Transit Off Track is Not What County Voters Want

It has been reported that the St. Louis County Department of Transportation has indefinitely put plans for public transit on hold. This move stands in stark contrast to the clear and repeated support St. Louis County voters demonstrated for transit expansion – not once, not twice, but three times. The most recent example came in 2010, when voters approved Proposition A with 63% support – despite an economic downturn.

St. Louis County’s 2050 Long Range Plan has since revealed continued public interest in transit. 52% of surveyed residents ranked transit access among their top ten priorities, and local businesses are increasingly seeking locations with strong transit connections to attract and retain workers.

While a county connection to the proposed MetroLink Green Line may not be the path forward now, taking transit completely off track is not the answer. St. Louis County has an opportunity to step up by including basic amenities – such as benches, shelters and signage – at bus stops as part of street projects. Amenities are easy, affordable upgrades that create comfort and safety for transit riders. Looking ahead, the St. Louis County Council also needs to ensure funding from the 1973 tax is split equitably between transit and roads as supported by the St. Louis County Public Transit Commission.

Now is not the time to put transit on hold. It’s time to move forward by planning, investing, and keeping transit on track.